Preparation

Use a small amount of olive oil to grease the inside of a round 9-inch pan.

2

Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. Beat at high speed for about one minute, with a stand mixer or electric mixer.

3

Scoop the sticky batter into the prepared pan, cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for one hour at room temperature. It will become puffy!

4

While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

5

When the dough is finished rising, lightly poke the top of the dough all over. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the dough with olive oil, gently push-in the sliced olives, sprinkle with herbs and shredded cheese.

6

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown. During this time, your house will smell like Italy. No joke!

7

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for five minutes before you remove from the baking pan. Cool on a wire rack.

About

My house smelled like Italy. Let me tell you, it was amazing! I took my 5th or 6th try at making a yeast bread, and what emerged from my oven was a fragrant focaccia loaf! I had to do a double-take…did I really make that? Did my loaf actually rise and not feel like a heavy brick?